Making the Most of Small Outdoor Spaces in Australia
Not everyone has a sprawling backyard — but that doesn't mean you can't have a lush, thriving garden. Balconies, courtyards, and small patios can be transformed into beautiful green retreats with the right plant choices.
At Potify, we help Australians create stunning gardens no matter the size of their space. Here are the best plants for balconies and small spaces across Australia.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Balcony Plants
- Sun exposure: Is your balcony north, south, east, or west facing? This determines how much sun your plants will receive.
- Wind: High-rise balconies can be very windy — choose wind-tolerant plants or use screens.
- Weight: Large pots filled with soil are heavy. Check your balcony's weight limits and consider lightweight potting mixes.
- Water access: Consider how you'll water your plants, especially in hot Australian summers.
Best Plants for Sunny Balconies
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea thrives in full sun and produces stunning, vibrant blooms. It's drought-tolerant once established and perfect for adding colour to a sunny balcony. According to ABC Gardening Australia, Bougainvillea is one of the most reliable flowering plants for hot, sunny Australian conditions.
Succulents & Cacti
Succulents are ideal for sunny balconies — they love heat, require minimal watering, and come in a huge variety of shapes and colours. Group them together in stylish pots for a striking display. Browse our succulent collection at Potify.
Herbs (Basil, Rosemary, Thyme)
A sunny balcony is perfect for a herb garden. Basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano all thrive in full sun and are incredibly useful in the kitchen. Use terracotta pots for best drainage.
Best Plants for Shaded Balconies
Ferns
Boston Ferns and Maidenhair Ferns love shaded, humid conditions — perfect for south-facing balconies. They add lush, tropical texture and thrive in the humidity of coastal Australian cities.
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies handle shade beautifully and reward you with elegant white flowers. They're also excellent air purifiers, as confirmed by NASA's Clean Air Study.
Calathea
Calatheas are stunning shade-lovers with dramatic patterned leaves. They prefer indirect light and higher humidity, making them perfect for sheltered balconies.
Best Plants for Windy Balconies
- Agapanthus: Hardy, wind-tolerant, and produces beautiful blue or white flowers
- Lomandra: An Australian native grass that handles wind and drought with ease
- Cordyline: Architectural and wind-resistant, available in a range of colours
- Dwarf Palms: Compact palms like the Parlour Palm handle light wind well
Tips for Small Space Gardening
- Use vertical space — wall-mounted planters and hanging baskets maximise your growing area
- Choose multi-purpose plants that offer both beauty and function (like herbs)
- Use lightweight potting mix to reduce weight on your balcony
- Group plants together to create humidity and a lush, layered look
- Self-watering pots are a great investment for balcony gardens in hot Australian summers
The Gardenate planting guide is a great resource for timing your balcony plantings based on your Australian location and climate zone.
Shop Balcony Plants at Potify
Ready to transform your balcony into a green oasis? Browse our full range of plants and pots at Potify. We deliver across Australia and our team is happy to help you choose the perfect plants for your space.